Neymar Uncertain About Potential MLS Move

Brazilian star says he 'honestly doesn't know' about future plans despite FC Cincinnati interest.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements of a soccer player, rendered in a vibrant color palette of greens, blues, and yellows.Neymar's future remains uncertain as the Brazilian star weighs his options, including a potential move to MLS.Cincinnati Today

Brazilian soccer star Neymar says he is still weighing his next move and is uncertain about a potential transfer to MLS, despite recent reports linking him to FC Cincinnati. The 34-year-old forward, who is currently playing for his boyhood club Santos in Brazil's Serie A, says he intends to finish his current contract which expires at the end of this year.

Why it matters

Neymar is one of the biggest names in global soccer, having played for powerhouse clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His potential move to MLS would be a major coup for the league and could help drive increased interest and viewership. However, Neymar's injury history and uncertain future plans make his MLS prospects unclear.

The details

Neymar has been limited to just 8 matches in 2026 due to a knee injury, scoring 4 goals and adding 3 assists. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that FC Cincinnati officials were exploring options to bring the Brazilian star to MLS this summer. However, Neymar told ESPN on Thursday that he 'honestly doesn't know' about his future plans and intends to finish out his current contract with Santos.

  • Neymar's current contract with Santos expires at the end of 2026.
  • Neymar has been limited to 8 matches so far in 2026 due to a knee injury.

The players

Neymar

A 34-year-old Brazilian soccer star who has played for top clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and is currently with his boyhood club Santos in Brazil's Serie A.

FC Cincinnati

An MLS club that has reportedly been exploring options to bring Neymar to the league this summer.

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What they’re saying

“I honestly don't know.”

— Neymar, Brazilian Soccer Star

The takeaway

Neymar's uncertain future plans and injury history make his potential move to MLS an intriguing but risky proposition. While his star power would be a major boost for the league, his ability to stay healthy and commit long-term remains an open question.